Let’s face it, the Skoda Kodiaq RS is a fringe player when it comes to performance SUV, paling against its newer stablemate, the Volkswagen Tiguan R. But don’t let that stop you from putting it on your shopping list, because the 2023 Skoda Kodiaq RS is a car that oozes class and sophistication.

Sitting at the top of the Kodiaq range and priced at $74,990 drive away, the Kodiaq RS isn’t what you’d call affordable but it’s loaded with so many features it’s like a buffet of automotive technology. It’s got everything from retractable sunshades to a plastic scuff protector that deploys automatically on the doors – genius! Oh, and don’t forget the branded umbrella tucked away inside the door, just like in a Rolls-Royce.

For comparison, the related VW Tiguan R carries a price tag of $70,490 plus on-road costs but it does boasts a more powerful engine.

Nevertheless, lets dive in and have a closer look.

On the styling front, the Kodiaq RS is unlikely to set your pulse racing but it’s not without its charm. We think the Race Blue metallic paint in particular looks great on the car. But if that’s not your cup of tea, there’s also Magic Black pearlescent paint, along with Graphite Grey metallic and Steel Grey (solid). All costs $700 bar the solid paint.

The go-fast bits unique to the car also enhances its otherwise boxy exterior, while the chiselled lines give it a muscular and athletic appearance. However, the plastic aero covers on the wheels could be slightly divisive, with some people loving them and others feeling a bit ambivalent. But hey, you can’t please everyone, right?

We are a big fan of the matrix LED headlights which selectively dim individual LEDs to avoid blinding on-coming traffic and the vehicle in front by illuminating around them.

Kodiaq RS highlights:

• 20-inch Aero wheels
• Red brake calipers
• RS styling package
• Panoramic sunroof with electric sunblind
• Adaptive chassis control
• Off-road mode
• Power tailgate
• Electric front seats with memory
• RS Sports seats
• Carbon-look interior trim
• 360-degree camera
• Three-zone climate control
• 12-speakers Canton Sound System

Inside, the Kodiaq RS is pleasant place to spend time in. The cabin is spacious and well-appointed, with good quality materials used throughout. The front bucket seats are deeply bolstered and upholstered in quilted leather with red contrast stitching, making them look sporty and comfortable at the same time.

And did I mention the front seats are heated and ventilated? It’s like having a personal climate control system for your bum! They’re perfect for Melbourne’s fickle weather.

The back seats are just as impressive, with climate control and heating for the outboard seats. Plus, there are retractable sunshades built into the rear doors, ensuring that you and your passengers stay cool and comfortable even on the hottest of days. However, the lack of rear USB ports is an oversight, especially in a family wagon.

Headroom is excellent even with a panoramic sunroof fitted to our tester, while legroom is almost as good as the first class lounge.

The third-row of seats, like most of its ilk, aren’t meant for long term accomodation as it isn’t that specious for a normal sized adult. Access is tight but with the second-row of seats folded forward, small children should have no trouble scampering through for short trips.

But perhaps the most impressive feature of the Kodiaq RS is its boot. With a massive 765L of space, you can fit everything you need for your next adventure. And even with the third-row seats up, you still get a respectable 270L of storage space. Fold both rows down (and they go completely flat), and you get a humongous 2,005L of space to play with, enough to fit a small elephant!

Other thoughtful touches abound, such as the dual gloveboxes, door bins that are big enough to fit a 1.5L water bottle, parking ticket holder on the windscreen, and a storage area for the rear cargo blind. It’s a very well packaged vehicle!

The infotainment system is top-notch, with a 9.2-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless smartphone charging. And the 12-speaker Canton sound system is hard to fault, delivering crisp and clear audio that will have you grooving to your favourite tunes.

For the full specification, head to Skoda Kodiaq RS official site here.

Under the bonnet, the Kodiaq RS is powered by the familiar ‘EA888’ engine from the Volkswagen Group empire that’s found in the Volkswagen Golf GTI and R, as well as Audi S3. With 180kW and 370Nm of torque, this car is a real powerhouse, propelling the 7-seat SUV towards the horizon in just 6.6 seconds. And with a lightning-fast seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive as standard, it’s as smooth and responsive as you could ever want.

The twin exhaust pipes sound good, too, with a nice subtle burble when you’re standing behind the car. Inside, we don’t mind the artificially enhanced exhaust note via the speakers, but the move could rub some purists up the wrong way.

The Kodiaq RS handles well for a family SUV tipping the scales at 1.8 tonnes, thanks in part to its adaptive dampers that endow it with an agile feel especially in sport mode. There’s plenty of traction from the all-wheel drive system, and while the steering could be more communicative, it’s still direct and responsive, making it a joy to drive. It’s also light enough to make parking manoeuvre a breeze in tight city carparks or around tight little city laneways.

If you intend to take the car on a road trip like we did, the Kodiaq RS is a true cruiser. It glides along with little road and wind intrusion, and the seats are so comfortable that you’ll forget you’re even in a car. And with an average fuel consumption of 8.7L/100km over a mix of freeway and country roads driving, you’ll be able to go the distance without breaking the bank.

The Skoda’s driver assistance systems, which includes adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane guidance and automatic emergency braking, all work well and with polish. Should you find yourself in a spot of trouble, there’s the reassurance of front, front side, rear side, driver’s knee and curtain airbags.

The Kodiaq RS comes with an impressive 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, a first from a European manufacturer. And Skoda offers 5- or 7-year service packs priced at $2,200 and $3,200, respectively, making it even more attractive for those who want peace of mind and value for their money.

Verdict

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Skoda has given us a first glimpse of its first electric vehicle, the Enyaq iV. Essentially a rebadged version of the upcoming Volkswagen ID.4 EV, the Czech SUV will sit on the same modular MEB electric platform and share the VW’s powertrain.

Despite the heavy camouflage, the official “spyshots” shows the Enyaq has an almost similar profile as the ID.4, albeit featuring a more angular design language favoured by Skoda.

At 4,648mm long, 1,877mm wide and 1,618mm tall, the Enyaq will be marginally smaller than the conventionally powered Kodiaq, and because the batteries are located under the floor, Skoda says the Enyaq provides a ‘living room’ like ambience, along with a 585 litre boot.

Five variants will be on offer with model names that correspond to the battery capacity. Kicking off the range is the 50 with a 55kWh battery and a rear-mounted 109kW motor that is good for up to 340km on a single charge.

Next up is the 60 with a 62kWh battery feeding a 132kW motor to deliver up to 390km in range. At the top of the range is the 80, which pairs an 82kWh battery with a 150kW motor to provide up to 500km in range per charge.

Also on offer are a pair of all-wheel drive variants with a second electric motor mounted up front and a range of 460km. The 80X packs 195kW, while the high-performance RS comes with a potent 225kW of power that enables it to sprint from 0-100km/h in 6.2 seconds. Flat out, it will hit 180km/h.

The batteries can be replenished from 10% to 80% in just 40 minutes with charging capacity capped at 125kW.

The Skoda Enyaq is expected to make its debut later this year.

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Skoda Australia has announced the pricing and specification of its Toyota Corolla rival, the Skoda Scala hatch, ahead of its local showroom debut in June.

Offered with a single 110kW/250Nm 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol engine matched with a seven-speed twin-clutch auto, the Scala will come in three trim level – 110TSI, Monte Carlo and a limited Launch Edition.

While the $27,690 110TSI might be the entry-level model, Skoda says there is nothing ‘entry level’ about the variant, with standard features usually found in more expensive prestige brands. Things like full LED tail lights with dynamic rear indicators, 18-inch alloy wheels and tinted privacy glass are standard.

Inside, there is a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit, 8-inch infotainment screen automatic tailgate, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with wireless smartphone charging and red ambient lighting.

Stepping up to the $33,390 Monte Carlo brings signature red styling on the sports seats, different 18-inch wheels, full LED adaptive headlights, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, a panoramic sunroof and Sport Chassis Control.

The $34,690 Launch Edition adds leather/suede seats with electric driver adjustment, heated front and rear seats, a larger 9.2-inch infotainment screen with sat-nav, wireless Apple CarPlay, blind spot assist, rear traffic alert and auto park assist.

The Scala range is available for order now. Early birds will also enjoy sharp drive away pricing.

STANDARD SPECIFICATION

SCALA 110TSI manual and DSG

• 18″ Wheel (VEGA Silver)
• Window surrounds in black
• Auto Tailgate
• Rear Parking sensors
• Adaptive cruise control
• Virtual Cockpit
• Tinted windows
• Wireless charging
• Lane Assist
• 7 airbags
• Exterior mirrors, auto-dimming, power-folding/adjustable/heated
• Seat belt reminder, electric contact in buckle, advanced safety equipment
• Hill hold control
• Fatigue detection
• SmartLink
• Voice control
• Front fog lights
• Full LED rear lights, animated turn signal
• Central locking system (2x foldable keys with remote control)
• Rearview Camera
• BOLERO (8″) Infotainment
• Unsplit rear seat bench, split folding backrest, with center armrest
• Center armrest in front “Jumbo Box” + 2 USBs rear (charging only)
• Bluetooth
• Multifunction leather sports steering wheel for Radio and Telephone
• Ambient lightning red
• Manual height adjustment with manual lumbar support for front seats
• Steel spare wheel, car jack, wheel wrench
• Floor mats in front and rear
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• Luggage compartment mat (rubber/fabric)
• 12-volt socket in luggage boot
• Trunk package (Cargo elements, net under rear shelf, net programme with bag, 2 hooks in top tether in trunk)

Monte Carlo (Difference to SCALA 110TSI)

• Exterior black elements
• 18″ wheel (Vega Black)
• Panoramic Roof
• Sports Seats and pedals
• FULL LED headlights with AFS
• Dual-Zone ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning with humidity sensor
• KESSY with SAFE and Alarm
• Sport Chassis Control (-15mm) incl. Drive Mode Select

Launch Edition (Difference to Monte Carlo):

• Body coloured door mirrors, chrome grill frame and window surrounds
• 18″ Wheel style (VEGA Aero)
• Leather/Suedia Seats
• Heated front and rear seats
• Electric Drivers seat
• AMUNDSEN (9.2″) Infotainment system
• Satellite Navigation
• Light Assist + Rain Sensor + auto dim rear view mirror
• Wireless SmartLink (Apple Carplay only at launch – Android Auto available later in 2020)
• Auto Parking Assist
• Side Assist (with blind spot)
• Rear Traffic Alert

PRICING

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Skoda has released some juicy details of its upcoming fourth-generation Octavia RS ahead of its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show early next month.

Besides revealing the Octavia RS petrol will pack a 2.0-litre TSI engine pumping out 180kW, the new RS will also receive a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time, to be known as the Octavia RS iV.

First up the RS petrol. It will be offered with a choice of a standard six-speed manual or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. In European markets, the RS petrol will also be joined by a diesel variant with a 2.0-litre TDI engine producing 147kW and connected exclusively to a seven-speed dual-clutch.

As for the RS iV, a leaked document suggests it will be powered by a 1.4-litre TSI engine married to an undisclosed electric hybrid system to produce 112kW, driving through a 6-speed dual-clutch.

In an unusual move, the RS iV plug-in hybrid will launch first in early June, follow by the conventionally powered RS.

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Skoda is stoking anticipation of the all-new fourth-generation Octavia RS. The Czech manufacturer has released three official exterior design sketches showing the sporty range-topper for the new 2021 Octavia, which will have its world premiere on 3 March at the Geneva Motor Show.

Signature black RS details emphasise the sporting potential of the elegantly proportioned Skoda best-seller, whose dimensions have grown slightly over those of its predecessor. As the first Skoda RS model to feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain, the Octavia RS iV promises family-friendly versatility and sports car-like performance with sustainability and efficiency.

The post Skoda Octavia RS iV sedan and wagon teased appeared first on ForceGT.com.

Skoda Australia has announced the pricing and specification of its new twin-turbo Kodiaq RS range-topper, which is currently the fastest 7-seat SUV on the Nürburgring.

Offered as a single and highly-specified model, the hot SUV will arrive in Australia priced from $65,990 before on-road costs, making it the most expensive model in Skoda’s local line-up.

It also pushes the model into the territory of entry-level premium SUVs such as the BMW X3 and Lexus NX, although they pale in comparison to the Kodiaq RS’ grunt and equipment.

Justifying the extra outlay is a 2.0-litre twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine producing 170kW of power and 500Nm of torque. It boasts a much broader torque band than typical diesel engines thanks to the turbochargers operating in series. Skoda has also tweaked the cylinder head, block and combustion chamber to give it a sportier character.

Power is transferred to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with sport mode. The Kodiaq RS also gets electronically adjustable dampers and bigger brakes.

The extra coins also buy a generous level of equipment, including a digital instrument cluster, leather and Alcantara-trimmed electric sports seats, tri-zone climate control, active cruise control, sat-nav and smartphone mirroring.

The Skoda Kodiaq RS is available for order now, with first deliveries scheduled for February 2020.

Skoda Kodiaq RS pricing (excluding on-road costs):

• Skoda Kodiaq RS: $65,990
• Metallic paint: $770
• Panoramic roof: $1,900
• Metal side steps: $1,300

The post Hot SUV: Skoda Kodiaq RS pricing and specification appeared first on ForceGT.com.

Skoda has released a set of teaser photos and a raft of new details regarding the upcoming Scala hatch ahead of its official unveiling in the coming months. 

The Scala will be the first model in the Czech manufacturer’s lineup to be based upon parent company Volkswagen’s MQB A0 platform, which underpins the latest Polo among other models.

However, the Scala is set to be larger than the current Volkswagen Golf, with it measuring in at 4,362mm in length, 1,793mm in width, 1,471mm in height, and sat upon a 2,649mm wheelbase. That makes it 107mm longer, and 30mm wider and taller than the Golf, with 12mm extra length to its wheelbase.

The Scala is also set to offer the largest boot in class too, with its 467 litre storage space a notable 87 litres more spacious than that of the Golf.

Skoda has also detailed the five different drivetrain options the Scala will be available with in Europe at least, with all of them claimed to be compliant with the latest, stricter Euro 6d-Temp emissions regulations.

Two petrol engines will be available – a 1.0-litre TSI three-cylinder and a 1.5-litre TSI four-cylinder. The former is available in two different states of tune – a less powerful 70kW version is to be available with a five-speed manual exclusively, while the more powerful 85kW unit can be had with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic – while the latter can be had in one 110kW state of tune, with the same transmission options as the more powerful three-pot.

Only one diesel engine will be on offer – a 1.6-litre TDI unit making 85kW and 250Nm, again with the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG.

After the initial launch, a dual-fuel 1.0-litre G-TEC three-pot that can run on CNG or petrol will also be added to the range, which is to produce 66kW and be mated exclusively to a six-speed manual gearbox.

Two distinct chassis tunes will be available, standard and Sport, with the latter riding 15mm lower and offering adaptive dampers.

Being underpinned by one of the latest Volkswagen Group platforms means that the Scala will also sport the latest driver assistance systems, including Autobahn-friendly active cruise control that can operate the steering, throttle, and brakes at speeds of up to 210km/h, a rear traffic alert system, and blind spot monitoring that can detect vehicles up to 70 metres away.

A few of the goodies it’ll have on offer include a 10.25-inch Virtual Cockpit gauge cluster, 9.2-inch infotainment system with over the air updates, an on-board WiFi system. For added convenience, an electric tailgate, electrically retractable tow hook, and even Rolls Royce-like umbrella compartments in the front doors will also be part of the package.

With the provided shots of the entirely camo-clad Scala not giving away much of how it’ll ultimately look on the outside, you’ll have to wait until Skoda’s latest model is officially unveiled in the coming few months to see the final product.

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Skoda has dropped a teaser video of its upcoming performance SUV, the Kodiaq RS, ahead of its world debut at the 2018 Paris Auto Show next month.

Set to be the Czech brand’s first performance SUV, the video gives us a clear view of the Kodiaq RS’ front fascia, including its standard “crystalline-effect” LED headlights – a first for the brand.

Besides the fancy headlights, Skoda has also confirmed the RS will feature its version of Volkswagen Group’s Virtual Cockpit, which will be customised for the hot SUV with carbon optic and a fifth “Sport” display layout featuring the rev counter and speedometer in the centre.

Additionally, the SUV will be the first Skoda model to offer Dynamic Sound Boost that uses data from the car’s electronics to vary and intensify the engine sound, depending on the selected driving mode for “a captivating and emotive acoustic experience”. For purists however, it remains a fake sound, but then again, if you’re a purist, you wouldn’t be driving an SUV.

When it arrives sometime next year, the Kodiaq RS will be powered by a 2.0-litre TDI bi-turbo engine generating 177kW of power – the most powerful production diesel engine in a Skoda.

The model will also feature all-wheel drive and adaptive suspension as standard, along with an exclusive colour called Race Blue.

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Skoda has sharpened the pricing of the Octavia RS range, which has been simplified to two levels of specification – RS and RS245. The line-up is now exclusively offered with the 7-speed DSG with the 6-speed manual gearbox no longer available.

Priced from $39,990 plus on-roads, the RS represents the lowest price point at which the 180kW/370Nm version of the EA888 2.0-litre turbo four with 7-speed wet clutch DSG transmission and limited slip differential has been made available.

The RS245 adds standard features including Adaptive Chassis Control with adjustable dampers and 9.2-inch media screen and premium sound.

Virtual Cockpit becomes available for the first time in an Octavia as a $700 standalone option.

“SKODA Octavia customers almost always express a preference for highly-optioned petrol engine cars,” ŠKODA Australia Director Michael Irmer says.

“Since the availability last year of the RS245 with its enhanced drivetrain, Octavia RS buyers have gravitated to this, the most potent variant to date.”

• 180kw/370Nm 2.0 litre turbo petrol engine
• 7-speed DSG
• Electronically controlled limited slip differential
• 18 inch alloy wheels
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Front Assist
• City Emergency Brake
• 7 Airbags
• Full LED headlights with LED daytime driving lights
• Driver Fatigue Detection
• Low tyre pressure indicator
• Driving Mode Selection
• 8 inch ‘Bolero’ high resolution infotainment system Bluetooth© with voice control, audio and streaming, USB, AUX and SD card slot
• Apple Car Play and Android Auto
• 8 Speaker sound system
• Rear View Camera
• Rear parking sensors
• RS Sports Front seats with height adjustment, lumbar support and integrated headrests
• Sport Steering wheel including Paddle Shifters
• Sports Pedals
• Climatronic – dual-zone air conditioning
• LED Interior Ambient lighting
• LED Daytime Running Lights
• Privacy Glass (window tint)
• Light Assist – Automatic headlight function
• Rain Sensor – Rain sensing wipers
• Front Fog Lights
• Roof rails – Black (Wagon)
• Double-sided mat in luggage compartment

Standard Equipment in addition to ‘OCTAVIA RS’

• Adaptive Chassis Control with adjustable dampers
• Advanced Keyless Entry including Smart Start (KESSY)
• Front Parking Sensors
• Automatic Park Assist
• Fog Lights with Corner Functionality
• 9 Airbags (+2)
• Alarm with interior monitoring, back-up siren, inclination sensor and SAFE system
• Passenger Protect Assist
• Auto Stop for Front and Rear Parking Sensors
• 9.2 inch ‘Columbus’ Navigation high resolution infotainment system Bluetooth© with voice control, audio and streaming, USB, AUX, 2 x SD card slots and DVD player
• ‘Canton’ Premium sound system (10 speakers)
• Key Personalisation
• Wireless charging

• Suedia/Leather appointed seat upholstery with red stitching
• Electrically-adjustable driver and passenger seat, driver seat with memory function
• Lane Assist
• Side Assist – Blind Spot Detection
• Heated front and rear seats
• Auto folding dimming door mirrors with environmental lights Sports Pack [as listed above]

Options

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Skoda’s upcoming hot-SUV, the Kodiaq RS has set a new Nürburgring record in the hands of Sabine Schmitz, taking 9 minutes and 29.84 seconds to complete a lap of the Green Hell, making it the fastest 7-seat SUV around the fearsome circuit.

Set to debut at the Paris Motor Show in October, the Kodiag RS packs a twin-turbo 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine good for 176kW. While Skoda hasn’t released its torque figure, expect it to be around 500Nm, judging from the same engine used elsewhere in the Volkswagen Group.

Skoda also points out the Kodiaq used for the record-setting lap on May 18 was completely standard and “precisely the same version” headed for the showrooms.

The Kodiaq RS will be the Czech brand’s third RS-badge model, after the Fabia and Octavia when it goes on sale next year.

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